The Project Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end planning, implementation, monitoring, and successful execution of DDU-GKY and other Skill Development Projects. The role involves managing project operations, training centers, mobilization, training delivery, assessments, certification, placements, compliance, financial management, and stakeholder engagement in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs), NSDC, Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), and other funding agencies.

The position is accountable for achieving project targets related to mobilization, training, certification, placement, retention, quality, compliance, and timely reporting while ensuring effective utilization of resources and successful project outcomes.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Project Planning & Implementation

• Lead end-to-end implementation of DDU-GKY and Skill Development projects as per approved project plans, timelines, budgets, and operational guidelines.
• Develop annual, quarterly, and monthly implementation plans for mobilization, training, assessments, certification, and placement.
• Ensure timely commencement and completion of training batches across project locations.
• Monitor project milestones and ensure achievement of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

2. Training Operations & Quality Management

• Oversee the complete training lifecycle, including mobilization, counseling, enrollment, induction, training delivery, assessments, certification, placement, and post-placement tracking.
• Ensure compliance with DDU-GKY, NSDC, SSC, and QP-NOS guidelines.
• Monitor trainer performance, infrastructure, biometric attendance, batch utilization, and training quality.
• Ensure implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and quality standards across training centers.
• Conduct regular center visits, audits, and performance reviews.

3. Mobilization & Community Engagement

• Plan and monitor mobilization activities in coordination with field teams and SRLM officials.
• Build relationships with District Rural Development Agencies (DRDA), SRLMs, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Community Resource Persons (CRPs), NGOs, and community leaders.
• Ensure achievement of candidate mobilization and enrollment targets.
• Monitor counseling quality and candidate documentation.

4. Placement & Employer Engagement

• Develop and strengthen partnerships with employers, industries, and placement agencies.
• Ensure achievement of placement and post-placement retention targets as per DDU-GKY guidelines.
• Organize placement drives, employer interactions, job fairs, and campus interviews.
• Track candidate retention, salary progression, and migration support where applicable.

5. Monitoring, MIS & Reporting

• Monitor project performance against mobilization, training, certification, placement, retention, and financial targets.
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry in Kaushal Bharat, DDU-GKY MIS, SDMS, or other prescribed portals.
• Prepare daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly MIS reports and project review presentations.
• Maintain project documentation, audit records, and compliance reports.

6. Financial & Compliance Management

• Monitor project budgets, expenditures, fund utilization, and financial reconciliation.
• Ensure compliance with project agreements, MoRD guidelines, SRLM requirements, NSDC norms, and organizational policies.
• Coordinate with finance teams for invoicing, utilization certificates, fund requests, and audits.
• Ensure proper documentation for inspections, monitoring visits, and third-party audits.

7. Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with MoRD, SRLMs, PIAs, NSDC, Sector Skill Councils, District Administration, training partners, assessment agencies, and employers.
• Represent the organization during review meetings, inspections, audits, and government interactions.
• Build strong relationships with project stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation and issue resolution.

8. Risk Management & Problem Resolution

• Identify operational risks related to mobilization, training delivery, assessments, placements, retention, and compliance.
• Develop mitigation strategies and implement corrective actions.
• Resolve operational challenges through effective coordination with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Ensure uninterrupted execution of project activities.

9. Team Leadership & Capacity Building

• Lead and mentor project coordinators, center managers, trainers, mobilizers, placement officers, and MIS teams.
• Conduct periodic performance reviews and capacity-building sessions.
• Promote a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.

10. Project Closure & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure timely completion of project deliverables, documentation, and financial closure.
• Prepare project completion reports, success stories, case studies, and impact documentation.
• Identify best practices and recommend improvements in implementation strategies, curriculum, and operational processes.
• Support proposal development and expansion of new skill development initiatives.

Educational Qualification

• Graduate/Postgraduate or MBA in Management, Rural Development, Social Work, Business Administration, Human Resources, Education, or related disciplines.
• Certification in Project Management or Skill Development will be an added advantage.

Experience

• 8–15 years of experience in managing DDU-GKY, PMKVY, NSDC, NULM, CSR, State Skill Development Missions, or other government-funded skill development projects.
• Experience in handling multi-location training operations, compliance, audits, mobilization, placements, and stakeholder management.
• Strong understanding of DDU-GKY operational guidelines, project lifecycle, and government reporting systems.

Desired Skills

• Strong knowledge of DDU-GKY, MoRD, SRLM, NSDC, SSC, and Skill Development Ecosystem.
• Expertise in project planning, implementation, monitoring, and compliance.
• Excellent stakeholder management and government liaison skills.
• Strong analytical, financial, MIS, and reporting capabilities.
• Leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and project MIS portals.
• Ability to manage multiple training centers and deliver projects within timelines and quality standards.